Reincarnated as a failed hero?! Watch me Defy Fate!

Julius looked genuinely stunned after I whispered to him.

"Wait… are you serious? You're not messing with me, right?"

I gave him a firm, reassuring nod.

What I'd just shared was no small matter—it was a crucial piece of advice for the upcoming Hero's Trial. A secret only someone who had walked that path could know.

"I'm serious," I said quietly. "I remember every stage of the Hero's Trial."

That alone was enough to rattle him. I didn't blame him.

It's something that just doesn't happen. Heroes are never supposed to remember what they went through. That's part of the trial's divine design—a system of forgetting, enforced by the gods themselves. Even the strongest of heroes lose their memories of the experience, like a dream that fades the moment they wake.

So when I told him I remembered everything, it was no surprise he looked at me like I'd just broken the laws of the world.

I leaned in closer and whispered again.

"Listen carefully, Julius. During the trial, your physical body will remain here. But your soul—your very essence—will be sent to a divine realm called Cosmoria. It's a plane that exists between dimensions. That's where the true trial begins."

"Cosmoria…?" he echoed, furrowing his brows. "I've never heard that name before."

"I know. Most people haven't. But trust me—it's real. I've been there. And I remember every detail."

I could feel the weight of the memory in my chest. That place… it wasn't just a battlefield—it was a mirror that showed you everything you were and everything you weren't.

I continued, lowering my voice as I laid out the stages of the Hero's Trial: the Trial of Aura, the Trial of Blessing, and finally, the Trial of Sacrifice.

"The Trial of Aura will be your first challenge. You'll be forced to rely entirely on your aura to defeat a summoned beast. No magic. Just your aura. That's because this trial is designed to awaken your Supreme-Level Forced Aura. It's a push to your very limit."

Julius nodded slowly, absorbing every word.

"For the second stage—the Trial of Blessing—you'll encounter a goddess. Her name is Solis, the Goddess of Light."

"I remember her. We studied her in the divine pantheon," he replied quickly, trying to stay ahead of the curve.

"Good," I said. "When you meet her, mention my name. Just tell her you're a friend of Naoki von Blackmore."

Julius blinked. "Naoki… Are you serious right now? You're not getting a little narcissistic, are you? I mean, I get it—I've had phases like that too…"

In the depths of my mind, I heard Envi burst into laughter. He hadn't expected that kind of response.

Without thinking, I grabbed Julius by the ear and pulled. "I'm not narcissistic, you idiot! Just trust me! Say my name, and it'll help you. That's all you need to know."

"Ow, ow! Alright, alright! Geez!" he laughed, rubbing his ear. "I'll trust you, okay? You're the strongest hero right now anyway. That should be proof enough."

I sighed and shook my head, but I smiled a little. His attitude hadn't changed. That was good. He hadn't let the pressure get to him.

Then I got serious again as I prepared to tell him about the last trial.

"For the final part—the Trial of Sacrifice—I can't give you direct instructions. I can't even tell you what to expect."

He frowned. "Why not?"

I placed a hand gently on his shoulder.

"Because it's something you have to discover. It's not about strength or technique. It's about understanding your deepest self. What do you truly want? What are you willing to give up for it?"

Julius looked down for a moment, then nodded slowly.

"I see…"

"Find that answer," I said softly. "Search your heart. Stay true to yourself. That's the only way you'll make it through."

He met my eyes and gave a determined smile.

"Thanks, Naoki. I'll remember everything you said. I'll make it through this trial, I swear. And I'll join you for training soon enough!"

He held up his fist.

"I'll be waiting," I said, bumping mine against his. That small gesture carried all the trust, hope, and faith we had in each other.

As I turned, I noticed his family nearby—his father, Leopold, Luna, and Termina. They all waved in my direction.

Julius looked at peace. He had the support of those he loved, and he was surrounded by people who believed in him.

I was glad. He deserved a trial free from chaos—unlike my own, which had been tainted by demonic interference.

But something else caught my eye.

Termina was fidgeting, glancing at Julius with hesitation. She clearly wanted to speak to him, but held back.

Envi's voice echoed in my mind again. "He's lucky to have someone like her."

"Yeah," I replied inwardly.

Then Envi added with a sigh, "Honestly, he should be talking to her more than to us."

I nodded slightly. For once, we were completely in sync.

"Hey, Julius," I called out. "Go talk to Termina. You're going to be inside that trial for a whole month, remember? This might be your last chance to say something to her."

His eyes widened. "Right… I forgot. But… there are so many people around. It's embarrassing."

I smirked, then kicked him in the backside.

BAM!

"Aghh—what was that for?!"

"Just do it," I said with a grin. "Don't make her wait."

He stood there for a second, rubbing his rear, then nodded. Slowly, he walked toward Termina.

She looked confused. "Julius? What is it? Aren't you about to start the trial?"

Without saying a word, he wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace.

Her face turned bright red. His father smiled warmly. Luna covered her eyes with a groan. The Saintess and the attending sisters smiled quietly, respectful of the moment.

Julius whispered to her.

"I'll come back. I promise. I'm going to get stronger—stronger than Lucius… maybe even stronger than anyone."

He took a breath, and his voice became even softer.

"I want to protect this kingdom… and I want to protect you, Termina."

"I love you. Wait for me."

Her arms tightened around him, and tears welled in her eyes.

"I love you too, Julius. And I will wait. No matter how long it takes."

Everyone fell silent, giving them the space to share that moment.

Then, at last, Julius stepped into the magic circle at the center of the Hall of Ascension. He sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and centered his breathing.

The circle lit up with ancient runes and divine light.

The trial had begun.

Julius's body remained behind, but his spirit was now in Cosmoria.

As I stood there, I couldn't help but wonder… Would I ever return there? A part of me missed that realm. I missed Solis… and the others. Flarteh, Zarion, Aqualia, Terra, Gaia, Zephira, Miranda…

I let that thought fade as I turned to leave.

But before I left, I approached the Saintess.

"I'll back again," I told her.

She gave a soft smile. "You're always welcome here, Naoki."

I smiled back, then turned and made my way toward the training grounds.Amelia and King Aslan would be waiting.

...

After that, I went to check on the training session between Amelia and King Aslan.

Even before stepping into the room, I could hear the sound of clashing blades echoing through the thick walls—sharp, violent, and intense.

Curious, I peeked through the slightly ajar door… and my eyes widened.

The entire training chamber was scarred with deep slash marks—on the walls, the pillars, even the floor. It looked like a battlefield. I was genuinely impressed.

Amelia stood at the center of it all, dressed in her sleek black training outfit, her long hair tied back into a high ponytail. Sweat dripped down her face and neck as she unleashed a flurry of sword strikes at King Aslan, who blocked each one with practiced ease using a different training sword.

In my mind, I heard Envi's voice whisper with uncharacteristic softness.

"Naoki... Amelia… she's incredible. So strong… and honestly, kind of breathtaking."

Envi sounded like a man falling head over heels.

And I couldn't blame him.

Amelia had been training relentlessly lately, pushing herself harder than anyone. She was determined to catch up—to stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of us heroes. But it wasn't just about strength. She wanted to revenge her older sister, Princess Aria. And Amelia wouldn't rest until she had the power to fight back.

But in that moment… watching her move, drenched in sweat and raw determination, she looked stunning. Beautiful, not just in appearance, but in her spirit. That kind of fire couldn't be faked.

I smiled to myself and replied in my thoughts, "You're right, Envi… Though I have to say, her yandere side is still kind of terrifying."

Envi let out a dreamy sigh. "You just don't understand women, Nao… For a girl like Amelia, that yandere streak is a bonus. It just adds to her charm! I love it!"

I groaned inwardly. There was no arguing with him when he was in this mood. I just let him have his moment.

Eventually, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Amelia immediately sensed my presence. The moment she saw me, she froze mid-strike, her sword nearly touching King Aslan's blade.

Then—without warning—she tossed her sword to the side and sprinted toward me.

"Naokiiiii, my dear~ I missed you so much!"

Before I could even react, she slammed into me with a tight, full-body hug.

Her arms wrapped around me like a vice. She buried her face into my chest, refusing to let go.

I stood there, slightly overwhelmed. Yup… she wasn't letting go anytime soon.

This might be a problem.

....

..

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